Category: Tech

The Current’s tech news keeps you upto date with news of new gadgets, tech updates, information about tech startups and technology reviews.

  • Vivo to launch its first flip phone with Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, Sony cameras

    Vivo to launch its first flip phone with Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, Sony cameras

    Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo is working on its first flip phone with a foldable screen, called the Vivo X Flip. The device has appeared in the Google Play Supported Devices List database, indicating that its release date is imminent. The listing shows that the phone, with model number V2256A, will be sold under the name Vivo X Flip.

    The Vivo X Flip has also been spotted on Geekbench, 3C certification, and IMEI database listings, revealing some of its specifications. The device will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and will run on Android 13 OS. The 3C certification suggests that it may support 44W fast charging.

    According to earlier reports, the Vivo X Flip will come with a 6.8-inch foldable AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The large external display on the back of the device supports a resolution of 682 pixels. The phone will run on OriginOS 3-based Android 13.

    The Vivo X Flip will be powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, come with 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It will feature a 4,400mAh battery with 44W fast charging support, and a side-facing fingerprint scanner for added security.

    The device will also have a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel Sony IMX866 primary camera and a 12-megapixel Sony IMX663 ultra-wide camera. Additionally, it is expected to be equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. With these features, the Vivo X Flip is set to make a splash in the market as a high-end, foldable flip phone.

  • US lawmakers grill TikTok CEO over promoting harmful content to young users

    US lawmakers grill TikTok CEO over promoting harmful content to young users

    During a congressional hearing on Thursday, US lawmakers accused the Chinese-owned app TikTok of serving harmful content to young users, leading to emotional distress. The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, was grilled on the company’s influence on teenagers.

    Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington began the hearing by stating that TikTok’s content algorithm promotes self-harm and eating disorder content within minutes of creating an account, and encourages dangerous challenges that can endanger kids’ lives. Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone from New Jersey added that content on TikTok has worsened children’s emotional stress.

    Chew, who made his first appearance before Congress, testified that the vast majority of TikTok users are over 18, but the company has invested in measures to safeguard young people who use the app. The hearing comes at a critical time for TikTok as the Biden administration faces increasing pressure from lawmakers to ban the app over national security concerns, as it is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese tech firm.

    Lawmakers questioned Chew on whether the Chinese government could access Americans’ user data and how the app prevented harmful content from reaching young users. Republican Rep. Bob Latta from Ohio mentioned a 10-year-old girl who suffocated herself while attempting a “blackout challenge” from videos on the app. Latta argued that TikTok should not be shielded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, a law that generally grants online platforms immunity for content created by users.

    Chew later stated during the hearing that TikTok prohibited dangerous challenges and similar content. TikTok has recently introduced more parental control features, and earlier this month, it announced that it was in the early stages of developing a tool that would enable parents to block their teens from viewing videos containing specific words or hashtags.

  • Mobile phone imports in Pakistan drop by nearly 70%

    Mobile phone imports in Pakistan drop by nearly 70%

    According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan’s import of mobile phones has decreased by 68.29 per cent during the first eight months of the current fiscal year (2022-23) compared to the same period last year.

    The value of mobile phones imported from July to February (2022-23) was US $447.855 million, whereas it was US $1412.445 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

    In February 2023, the import of mobile phones decreased by 76.73 per cent compared to February 2022. The imports for February 2023 were valued at US $33.054 million, whereas the exports for February 2022 were US $142.033 million.

    Furthermore, the data shows that the import of mobile phones witnessed a month-on-month decline of 36.39 per cent during February 2023, as compared to January 2023, with imports valued at US $51.960 million.

  • Pakistan earned $1,523 million by providing IT services to various countries: report

    Pakistan earned $1,523 million by providing IT services to various countries: report

    Pakistan has earned US$1,523.280 million by providing different Information Technology (IT) services to various countries during the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2022-23, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

    This represents a growth of 2.38 per cent as compared to US$1,487.865 million earned during the same months of the fiscal year 2021-22.

    During July-January (2022-23), the export of computer services climbed by 2.87 per cent as it increased from US$1,191.575 million last fiscal year to US$1,225.730 million this year.

    The exports of software consultancy services saw an increase of 5.57 per cent, from US$430.309 million to US$454.283 million while the exports of hardware consultancy services also rose by 158.07 per cent from US$1.357 million to US$3.502 million.

    According to APP, the export and import of computer software-related services surged by 11.89 per cent, from US$312.484 million to US$349.635 million whereas the exports of repair and maintenance services increased to US$1.594 million from US$0.770 million.

    The export of telecommunication services also witnessed an increase of 0.60 per cent as these went up from US$293.180 million to US$294.950 million during the months under review, the data revealed.

    Among the telecommunication services, the export of call centre services rose by 2.30 per cent during the period as its exports increased from US$118.669 million to US$121.398 million whereas the export of other telecommunication services decreased by 0.55 per cent, from US$174.511 million to US$173.552 million during the period under review, the PBS data revealed.

    Moreover, the exports of other computer services witnessed a decline of 6.70 per cent going down from US$446.655 million to US$416.716 million.

    Meanwhile, the export of information services during the period under review declined by 16.40 per cent going down from US$3.110 million to US$2.600 million.

  • ChatGPT’s impact on the job market: Which professions will be most affected?

    ChatGPT’s impact on the job market: Which professions will be most affected?

    The rise of artificial intelligence has led to concerns about job displacement and unemployment. As a large language model trained by OpenAI, ChatGPT is one such example of AI technology that has the potential to impact the workforce.

    In this article, we will explore the ways in which ChatGPT may affect jobs, and whether it is ultimately beneficial or detrimental for employees.

    What is ChatGPT?

    Before delving into the impact of ChatGPT on jobs, it is important to understand what it is and how it works. ChatGPT is a natural language processing model that uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like responses to text-based queries. It was developed by OpenAI and is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, which enables it to understand and generate language with remarkable accuracy.

    ChatGPT can be used for a variety of purposes, including customer service, chatbots, and even creative writing. It has the ability to learn from large amounts of data, which means that it can continue to improve and become more accurate over time.

    Impact of ChatGPT on jobs

    The rise of AI technology has led to concerns about job displacement and unemployment, particularly in industries that rely heavily on manual labor or routine tasks. However, the impact of ChatGPT on jobs is more nuanced and depends on the specific industry and job type.

    To better understand the potential impact of ChatGPT on jobs, let’s take a closer look at some of the industries and job types that may be affected:

    Customer service

    One of the most obvious applications of ChatGPT is in customer service. Chatbots powered by ChatGPT can provide customers with quick and accurate responses to their queries, without the need for human intervention. This has the potential to reduce the number of customer service representatives needed, particularly for routine inquiries.

    Still, ChatGPT is not a complete replacement for human customer service representatives. While it can provide quick and accurate responses to routine inquiries, it may struggle with more complex or nuanced queries that require empathy and human judgment.

    Creative writing

    Another potential application of ChatGPT is in creative writing. ChatGPT has the ability to generate human-like responses to text-based prompts, which means that it can be used to write articles, scripts, and even novels.

    While this may seem like a threat to human writers, it is important to note that ChatGPT is not capable of original thought or creativity. It can only generate responses based on the data it has been trained on. Human writers will still be needed to create truly original and creative content.

    Data entry

    Data entry is a job that involves manually inputting data into a computer system. While this may seem like a mundane task, it is still a job that many people rely on for their livelihood. ChatGPT has the potential to automate some aspects of data entry, which may reduce the need for human data entry clerks.

    However, it may struggle with handwriting recognition, and may not be able to accurately input data from non-textual sources such as images or audio recordings.

    Benefits of ChatGPT for employees

    While there may be some potential job displacement due to the rise of ChatGPT, there are also several benefits for employees. Here are just a few:

    Quick and convenient support

    One of the most significant benefits of ChatGPT is that it provides quick and convenient support to employees. With ChatGPT, employees can quickly get answers to their questions without having to wait for a human representative. This can save employees a significant amount of time, enabling them to focus on their tasks and responsibilities more effectively.

    Improved productivity

    ChatGPT can also help to improve employee productivity. By providing fast and accurate answers to employee queries, ChatGPT can reduce the amount of time employees spend looking for information. This can free up more time for employees to focus on critical tasks, helping to improve productivity and efficiency.

    Enhanced learning and development

    ChatGPT can also be used as a tool for learning and development. By providing employees with access to a wealth of information and resources, ChatGPT can help to enhance employee knowledge and skills. This can be particularly useful for employees who are new to a job or those who are looking to expand their knowledge in a particular area.

    Increased accessibility

    Another benefit of ChatGPT is that it can increase accessibility for employees. With ChatGPT, employees can access information and support from anywhere and at any time. This can be particularly useful for remote workers or those who work outside of traditional office hours.

    Personalised assistance

    Finally, ChatGPT can offer personalised assistance to employees. By using machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT can learn about employees’ needs and preferences over time, providing more personalised support and assistance. This can help to improve the employee experience, leading to increased engagement and job satisfaction.

  • WhatsApp to replace phone numbers with usernames for identifying unknown contacts in group chats

    WhatsApp to replace phone numbers with usernames for identifying unknown contacts in group chats

    According to WaBetaInfo, the Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will simplify the identification of messages received from unknown contacts in WhatsApp group chats.

    The latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.5.12 update has been released by the instant messaging app, which enhances the functionality introduced in December 2022 by swapping numbers with push names in the message bubble of group chats.

    As per the report, a push name will be shown every time a user receives a message from an unknown contact in a group chat, rather than the mobile number, in the chat list. This change makes it easier for the recipient to recognize who the unknown contact is without having to save the number as a new contact.

    This is particularly useful in large group chats where identifying unknown group members can be difficult. The push name may even appear instead of the phone number in different sections of the app, such as the group participants list.

    The new feature has also been made available to some iOS beta testers after installing the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.5.0.73 update. The report notes that the new feature is currently accessible to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Play Store, and it is anticipated to be made available to even more users in the coming days.

  • Meta developing new social networking app to compete with Twitter

    Meta developing new social networking app to compete with Twitter

    Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is developing a standalone text-based social network app that could potentially compete with both Twitter and its decentralised rival, Mastodon.

    According to reports, Meta is exploring the creation of a decentralised social network for sharing text updates, providing a separate space where public figures and creators can share timely updates about their interests.

    Meta’s Twitter-like app would allow the company to take advantage of the current confusion at Twitter, where cost-cutting has been widespread ever since Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform late last year. Companies have withdrawn their spending following Twitter’s restoration of suspended accounts and release of a paid account verification that resulted in scammers impersonating firms.

    The new app, codenamed P92, will allow users to log in using their existing Instagram credentials and will be based on a similar framework to Mastodon, a Twitter-like service launched in 2016.

    The decentralised platform cannot be run at the whim of a single entity and cannot be bought or sold. Meta’s plans come at a time when Facebook, its largest platform, is struggling to capture the attention of younger audiences. In addition, the company has invested heavily in the metaverse, a virtual world where users interact and work, which has yet to come to fruition.

    Instagram, its video-sharing app, is also facing tough competition as content creators or hit influencers abandon the platform in favour of TikTok. It is currently unclear when Meta will launch the new app.

  • WhatsApp refuses to compromise on end-to-end encryption despite UK pressure

    WhatsApp refuses to compromise on end-to-end encryption despite UK pressure

    Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, has stated that the company will not comply with the proposed online safety bill in the United Kingdom (UK), which aims to ban end-to-end encryption. Cathcart made these remarks during a visit to the UK, where he will meet with legislators to discuss the government’s internet regulation flagship policy. He further described the bill as the most concerning piece of legislation being discussed in the western world.

    Cathcart explained that users worldwide demand security, and 98 per cent of WhatsApp’s users are outside the UK. Therefore, it would be an odd choice for the company to lower the product’s security in a way that would affect the majority of its users. He added that end-to-end encryption is essential in messaging services to prevent anyone other than the communication recipients from decrypting it. WhatsApp cannot read messages sent over its service and cannot comply with law enforcement requests to hand over messages or actively monitor communications for child protection or anti-terrorism purposes.

    Cathcart noted that the online safety bill is an expansion of the UK government’s power to demand the removal of encryption, and it poses a grey area in the legislation. He called for similar language to be inserted into the UK bill as in the EU’s digital markets act, which explicitly defends end-to-end encryption for messaging services.

    Furthermore, under the proposed bill, the UK government or Ofcom could require WhatsApp to apply content moderation policies that would be impossible to comply with without removing end-to-end encryption. If WhatsApp refused to comply, it could face fines of up to 4 per cent of its parent company Meta’s annual turnover, or it would have to withdraw entirely from the UK market.

    Cathcart argued that large communities that use end-to-end encryption, such as WhatsApp’s “communities” offering, which allows group chats of over 1,000 users to be grouped together, have slim chances of causing trouble. He suggested that one person reporting any serious issues would suffice, making it easy for investigators to gain access.

    The online safety bill is expected to return to parliament in the summer, giving Ofcom significant new powers as the internet regulator and enabling it to require effective content moderation under the penalty of large fines. WhatsApp has never received a legal demand to remove encryption from the UK government, according to Cathcart.

  • Saudi prince aims to create over 1,000 jobs with $100 million tech house investment in Pakistan

    Saudi prince aims to create over 1,000 jobs with $100 million tech house investment in Pakistan

    A Saudi tech company owned by Prince Fahad bin Mansour Al-Saud has announced the launch of a Saudi-Pakistan Tech House in Islamabad on Monday.

    The initiative was first announced by the prince in January at Pakistan’s largest tech event, Future Fest 2023, and aims to forge partnerships with information technology (IT) companies and enterprises in Pakistan to promote greater ease of doing business between the two countries.

    Prince Fahad is the co-founder of ILSA Interactive, which was established in 2009 by Pakistani entrepreneur Salman Nasir with offices in Riyadh and Lahore, reflecting the determination of both Pakistani and Saudi leaders to deepen an existing strategic relationship in all fields.

    The company plans to forge partnerships with IT companies, universities, and large enterprises in Pakistan. The launch ceremony took place on Monday, March 6, and Prince Fahad intends to create more than 1,000 jobs and undertake 300 projects valued at $100 million in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

    Future Fest 2023 saw leading entrepreneurs, startups, policymakers, and investors from around the world participate, and a delegation of Saudi business leaders attended the event, taking part in keynote addresses, roundtable conferences, and discussions on various topics related to the future of business and startups.

  • iPhone 15 to feature A17 chip and rounded design, but with limited USB-C compatibility: Leaks

    iPhone 15 to feature A17 chip and rounded design, but with limited USB-C compatibility: Leaks

    An insider source known as ShrimpApplePro has revealed some information about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 models. The new phones will feature a faster performance, a more rounded design, and a higher price point. However, the most requested feature – USB-C compatibility – will come with a disappointing catch.

    Apple will be locking down the USB-C port on all iPhone 15 models, a move that contradicts their previous actions of introducing USB-C to iPads and MacBooks without limitations.

    USB-C is an open standard, and this news will be a surprise and disappointment to many Apple fans and industry experts. Apple’s official licensing program for accessories, MFi, requires manufacturers to comply with Apple’s standards by installing an authenticator chip on ports. This can limit or disable the accessory completely, and unlicensed accessories are often less expensive than those with MFi certification.

    Many people believe that profit is the primary reason why iPhones have not switched to USB-C. Despite an EU clampdown on proprietary ports, it seems that Apple has decided to manipulate the standard, which is a setback. USB-C would allow iPhones to have faster charging and data transfer speeds, and leaks suggest that iPhone 15 Pro models will deliver over 40x faster performance. However, it seems that these benefits will only be available through MFi-approved accessories, which is not ideal for those who already have a drawer full of USB-C cables.

    Foxconn has already started producing MFi-licensed accessories, including Apple’s own EarPods and cables, according to ShrimpApplePro. While iPhone enthusiasts may not view this news as a dealbreaker, it is likely not the way industry experts and EU lawmakers expected USB-C to be implemented by the world’s largest smartphone maker.

    Apple’s iPhone 15 range is expected to launch in September with a higher price point, a more rounded design, new chassis materials and colors, solid-state buttons, next-gen WiFi, and a 3nm A17 chipset.